Saudis sack second coach

Saudi Arabia have responded to their disappointing exit at the group stage of the Asian Cup by sacking Nasser Al Johar, who becomes the country's second coach to be relieved of his duties in the space of three games.

Jose Peseiro lost his job following the country's opening defeat to Syria, while a 1-0 loss to Jordan precipitated the removal of Prince Sultan Bin Fahd as the president of the Saudi Football Federation.

Saudi Arabia were hammered 5-0 by Japan in their final group game, failing to qualify for the latter stages for the second time in the competition's history, and the federation has taken swift action by sacking Al Johar.

Team manager Fahd Al-Misaibeeh and members of his staff have also been relieved of their positions.

"The Saudi Soccer Federation has accepted the resignation of Fahd Al-Misaibeeh, manager of the Saudi national team, and his crew, and relieved Nasser Al-Johar of his post as the current team's coach," SPA said, citing a statement from Prince Nawaf.

"We vow to immediately replace them by a highly-qualified international crew and domestic aides."